Thomson

It’s a heck of a way to run a pre-election campaign. On the eve of an expected election, politicians usually spend their time playing up good news, downplaying the bad, shaking hands and kissing babies.

Wil Arneson and Dad Bryan Arneson don a toothy grin while soaking in all of the sights at Disney California’s newest them park, Cars Land. — Submitted Photo

We’re walking towards the brand new Cars Land, and the six-year old’s bright blue eyes are beaming and there’s a definite skip in his step. Actually, he’s almost running.

We’re chatting, although it’s hard to get a word in as he’s filling me in about the last couple of days he has spent at Disneyland — The Happiest Place on Earth — and how it has been an awesome experience.

“I’ve waited six years to come here,” he says in a matter-of-fact tone.

Did I mention he is six?

Waiting his whole lifetime, literally, to visit Disneyland parks has not been a disappointment.

And with a sneak peak of Cars Land now just a few paces down the road, the approaching awesomeness is stretching further that ear-to-ear grin.

Entering the 12-acre addition to the Adventure Park is like walking into another world; an animated world that has come to life.

Wil’s wearing his Lightning McQueen T-shirt under his racer-style jacket — fitting garb for the occasion — and he’s more than willing and able to take on the three brand new rides specifically built for the attraction.

Having watched both the Cars’ movies several times, Wil is elated to be in a place that has such a keen resemblance to the flicks with which he has fallen in love.

We first stroll through Radiator Springs, which according to Mater (the lovable tow truck character voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) is: “The cutest little town in Carburetor County.” Whether in the movie or now here in real life, the town has charm, there’s no doubt about it.

And along with charm, the Route 66 setting is almost identical to what you see in the animated motion picture, making it just that much more exciting. There’s the Cozy Cone Motel to the left, Flo’s V8 Café just a few paces down on the right, and at the end of the street is Luigi’s Casa Della Tires.

Wil is excitedly pointing out and highlighting what is what as we make our way to the first ride, Radiator Springs Racers. While in line, he can barely stand still and the short wait to get onto the ride seems like an eternity to him.

But as we strap ourselves into the six-person car and take off, it’s all smiles from there. Watching his expressions, I notice he’s like a sponge trying to soak it all in. After all, calling the backdrops visually stimulating is an understatement.

Whether cruising through the Cadillac Range Mountains (which look incredibly lifelike) or going through the storytelling portion of the ride, he’s fascinated with what’s going on.

Then the ride picks up speed. With straight stretches, small bumps and a long sweeping right-hander, we’re racing through the track with our hair blowing in the wind.

After the ride is over, he’s still beaming.

“The racers are fun,” he says as we walk away from the ride. He adds, “I’m not scared on the Radiator Springs Racers,” even though it is a fast-paced ride.

Onto the next.

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree can be likened to the Magic Tea Cup ride at Disneyland, without the strong nauseating affect. Mind you, there is a whirling motion to it so those who are faint when it comes to spinning around, this might not be the ride for you.

But for Wil, it’s perfect.

“The tractors are insane! Insane I tell you.” The animation in his voice and body are hilarious to watch. It’s evident that he really liked the ride!

Our last but not least stop is Luigi’s Flying Tires. Think air hockey, except you’re the puck gliding across the surface. Furthermore, there are multiple novelty-sized beach balls ready to be caught or tossed while on the ride.

Sitting in between his parents, Wil is having the time of his life. His toothy smile is spotted from across the arena and it’s not going anywhere, fast.

After it’s over, he’s ready to get in line again and go for another glide. But first a breakfast break at Flo’s V8 Café. Delicious.

When asked, on a scale of one to 10 how fun has his experience been, one being not-so-fun and 10 being super awesome, without hesitation he answers: “10.”

He can’t wait to tell his friends back home about his adventures.

Additionally, he’s been snapping pictures like crazy. With over 200 photos on his camera, and a story behind each of them, it’ll probably feel like a lifetime until he returns to the park.

But until then, he’ll treasure the memories made at Cars Land, which I’m sure he won’t soon forget.

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